Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Technology, Telecommunications & Energy Committee

SB 6107

Brief Description:  Extending the applicability of provisions relating to geothermal energy.

Sponsors:  By Senators Fraser and Morton.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Extends the state geothermal account an additional 10 years until June 30, 2011.

Hearing Date:  3/19/01

Staff:  Pam Madson (786‑7166).

Background: 

In 1981, the Legislature created the state geothermal account to receive funds from federal agencies for the lease or rental of federal lands located in Washington under the federal Geothermal Steam Act of 1970.  These federal lands are leased for the purpose of development and utilization of geothermal steam and associated resources.  These moneys are distributed to the state in which the federal lands are located and may be appropriated by the state Legislature giving priority to those areas of the state directly impacted by the development on these lands.

The Legislature provided for the allocation of moneys distributed to the state of Washington as follows:  30% is distributed to the Department of Natural Resources for geothermal exploration and assessment; 30% is distributed to Washington State University to encourage development of geothermal energy; and 40% is distributed to the county in which the lands are located to mitigate impacts caused by geothermal exploration and development.

The account terminates on June 30, 2001.  No funds have been distributed to the state of Washington since 1989.

Summary of Bill: 

The geothermal account is extended for an additional 10 year until June 30, 2011.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.